Weight Distribution Recommendation for a Honda Pilot Towing a 4,000 lb Trailer

Question:

I have a 2011 Honda Pilot which I plan to tow a hybrid travel trailer with ~4000 lbs. Ive been told that anti-sway weight distribution bars are recommended. Never used them before as Ive only towed a small pop-up and a utility trailer. Is there a particular brand/model youd recommend and why? Are there certain features I should be looking for? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

asked by: Rick C

Helpful Expert Reply:

I really like the Strait Line weight distribution systems as they feature the only sway control that works to prevent sway before it starts.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Once you know your tongue weight you will want to check out the link I attached that has all of the weight distribution systems we carry. You will be able to select your tongue weight from the filters to see what would be rated for your setup.

Most likely your tongue weight would fall in the part # RP66082 tongue weight range of 200 lbs - 600 lbs so this would be a great option.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Wade B.

6/16/2020

I just bought a Geo Pro 19BH. The Gross Weight is 3860 lbs and the Tongue weight is 360 lbs. my tow vehicle is a 2016 Honda Pilot Elite. I have the ATF Cooler, hitch, harness, and brake controller installed. My trailer dealer installed the Fastway E2 WDH on the trailer. My Pilot is capable of Towing 5000 lbs with 500 lb of tongue weight with this set up. After a 1300 miles of driving, the collar of the receiver has cracked in the upper corners. I have the Honda dealership replacing the hitch under warranty. Was this just a defect or is there something I need to do to prevent this from happening again?

Chris R.

6/20/2020

I've not heard of that happening before. I have to hope it was just a defective hitch and it won't happen again. WD systems do put a lot of stress on the hitch (by design) but it certainly shouldn't crack the receiver. Just make sure everything is adjusted correctly on the system to create a level, smooth ride and you should be good to go.